Five Mount Maunganui surfers have been named as part of the national team selected to represent Aotearoa at the 2025 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Junior Surfing Championship.

This year’s squad features a dynamic mix of the country’s most promising under-18 surf athletes – blending returning international contenders with fresh faces ready to take on the world’s best, Surfing NZ said in a statement.

The ISA World Junior Championship serves as the premier international competition for junior surfers and is widely regarded as a critical pathway to professional careers, including Olympic and World Surf League (WSL) competition.

The 2025 event location and dates are yet to be announced by the ISA, but anticipation is already building across the New Zealand surfing community.

Among the 2025 team are several seasoned ISA campaigners, bringing vital experience and leadership to the line-up.

Alexis Owen (Dunedin), Tao Mouldey (Mount Maunganui), Benji Lowen (Mnt), Vitor Bauermann (Mnt) and five standout young women – Chloe Groube, Leia Millar, Poppy Arkle, Alani Morse and Lola Groube – have all previously represented New Zealand at ISA World Junior Championships.

“These returning athletes have proven themselves on the world stage,” said national teams convenor Lee Ryan.

“They bring maturity, calm under pressure, and the hunger to go even further in 2025.”

The squad also features promising new talent making their ISA debut: Jacob Haines (Raglan), Luca Thompson (Raglan), and Brissa Canina (Coolum, Australia) are all preparing for their first ISA appearances – and are ready to make their mark.

2025 New Zealand ISA World Junior Championship team

BOYS U18

- Alexis Owen – Dunedin

- Jacob Haines – Raglan

- Tao Mouldey – Mount Maunganui

- Non-Travelling Reserve: Lewis Murphy – Dunedin

BOYS U16

- Benji Lowen – Mount Maunganui

- Luca Thompson – Raglan

- Vitor Bauermann – Mount Maunganui

- Non-Travelling Reserve: Sol Fritchley – Mount Maunganui

GIRLS U18

- Chloe Groube – Pauanui

- Leia Millar – Auckland

- Lola Groube – Pauanui

-Non-Travelling Reserve: Sage Fritchley – Mount Maunganui

GIRLS U16

- Alani Morse – Raglan

- Brissa Canina – Coolum

- Poppy Arkle – Piha

- Reserve: Lola Groube – Pauanui

The ISA World Junior Championships have long been recognised as the launchpad for the careers of global surf stars — including Olympic gold medallists and current WSL Championship Tour competitors.

As surfing gains momentum globally in the lead-up to the LA28 Olympics, this junior team represents a crucial part of Surfing New Zealand’s high-performance pathway.

“These young athletes are more than just surfers – they’re ambassadors of New Zealand’s surf culture and spirit,” said Surfing New Zealand chief executive Ben Kennings.

“They represent the future of Kiwi surfing and embody the resilience, humility, and determination that define our nation. It’s a proud moment for our surf community, their whānau, and our national programme.”

In the lead-up to the world championships, surfers may take part in performance workshops and development sessions aimed at preparing them physically, mentally and culturally for international competition.

The team selection reflects the depth of talent across New Zealand’s regions: from Dunedin and Mount Maunganui to Raglan, Auckland, Pauanui and Piha – highlighting the strong grassroots foundations and coaching networks supporting junior development.

The official location and dates of the 2025 ISA World Junior Championship will be confirmed by the International Surfing Association in the coming months.